De Montfort University · Leicester
EMPAC National Symposium 2026
Prevention, Diversion and Justice Reform
A unique opportunity for policing and national criminal justice leaders to examine emerging evidence and help shape the future of reform.
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Independent evidence. National discussion.
A critical question for criminal justice reform
Policing and the wider criminal justice system face increasing demand, finite resources, growing public expectation and an enduring ambition to improve outcomes for victims.
The majority of criminal justice outcomes do not result in custody. Large volumes of cases conclude through non-custodial outcomes, diversionary approaches, deferred interventions and alternative resolution pathways. Yet there remains limited understanding of how these pathways might best contribute to improved victim outcomes, reduced future offending, stronger public confidence and a more sustainable system.
EMPAC commissioned an independent evidence review to examine whether earlier intervention, prevention-focused approaches and structured support can improve outcomes in suitable cases whilst maintaining public confidence, transparency and robust responses to offending.
The research has not been commissioned to advocate a predetermined solution. It is designed to test assumptions, challenge established thinking and objectively assess opportunities and risks.
The challenges facing policing today
- Reducing demand and repeat demand
- Improving victim satisfaction and confidence
- Maintaining legitimacy and public trust
- Reducing reoffending and future harm
- Making best use of finite resources
- Supporting neighbourhood and community outcomes
- Delivering meaningful criminal justice reform in practice
“The intention is that the evidence informs the discussion, rather than the discussion driving the evidence.”
The reform context
Building on Leveson, Gauke and the Sentencing Act 2026
Sir Brian Leveson’s review of the criminal courts and David Gauke’s sentencing review helped establish a clear direction of travel: greater efficiency, better outcomes for victims, reduced reoffending, improved public confidence and more effective use of resources.
The invitation highlights the Sentencing Act 2026’s extension of the deferment period from six to twelve months and recognition of victims within the statutory purposes of sentencing.
What these reviews did not seek to examine in detail was the operational opportunity within prevention, diversion and resolution, or the practical realities of translating reform ambition into delivery across policing, prosecution, probation, courts and wider partners.
The Simon Cole Centre
Co-Examine. Co-Design. Co-Deliver.
Named in honour of the late Chief Constable Simon Cole, the Centre at De Montfort University bridges research, policy and operational delivery. Working alongside EMPAC, it brings together those who experience problems, those who research them and those responsible for delivering solutions.
Co-Examine
Bringing together evidence, expertise and experience to better understand the challenge.
Co-Design
Exploring practical and innovative approaches capable of improving outcomes.
Co-Deliver
Converting insight into action through collaboration, implementation and learning.
This is research with the system, not research about the system.
Bringing strategic and operational leaders together
Whilst commissioned through EMPAC, the questions are national, not regional or organisational. Chief officers and senior strategic leaders are invited alongside nominated operational or tactical leads, ensuring discussions remain ambitious and grounded in delivery.
The symposium will include senior leaders and influencers from across policing and the wider criminal justice system, drawing on international experience and lessons for translating evidence into practice.
- Chief officers and senior leads
- Police and crime commissioners
- National policing portfolio leads
- Senior Home Office officials
- Senior Ministry of Justice representatives
- HMICFRS
- The College of Policing
- Criminal justice agencies and system partners
- Leading academics and researchers
- Service delivery and innovation partners
- International contributors and practitioners
Date and programme
An opportunity to shape future thinking
The symposium moved to 19 November so the research programme can conclude fully and attendees can receive findings in advance. Focused discussions and deep-dive sessions with experts and practitioners will strengthen the evidence base before the day.
This conversation is taking place before future approaches have been determined.
- Examine the findings of the independent evidence review
- Explore the implications for policing and criminal justice policy
- Consider the impact on victims, communities and public confidence
- Review emerging national and international practice
- Test assumptions and challenge established thinking
- Share operational experience and lessons learned
- Explore practical opportunities for implementation and reform
- Contribute towards shaping an evidence-informed research-to-practice framework for future consideration
Every part of the day shares the same objective
- Better outcomes for victims
- Reduced future harm and reoffending
- More effective use of resources
- Greater public confidence in criminal justice
A partnership with independence at its heart
This work has been made possible through a partnership between EMPAC and the Simon Cole Centre at De Montfort University, with the independent evidence review and national symposium enabled by Make Time Count (MTC), in partnership with Accenture and Red Snapper.
Together, these organisations have supported the programme whilst maintaining the independence and integrity of the research and symposium. This is not about promoting a predetermined solution: it is about understanding what works and translating evidence into practical improvement.
The invitation is issued by:
- Dr Paul Gibson — Chief Constable, Lincolnshire Police; EMPAC Chief Constables’ Lead
- Professor Rob Nixon CBE QPM DL — Honorary Professor and Founding Chair, Simon Cole Centre
- Dr Ahmad Al-Hiari SFHEA FIoL — Co-Founding Director, Simon Cole Centre
Join the national conversation
19 November 2026 · De Montfort University, Leicester
Please register your attendance and respond by .
Dr John Coxhead
john.coxhead@empac.org.uk+44 (0) 7470 181050
Dr Ahmad Al-Hiari
ahmad.al-hiari2@dmu.ac.uk+44 (0) 116 366 4686
Photographs: De Montfort University. Event information from the EMPAC invitation dated 5 October 2026.